Published On: 2025-07-27Categories: Blog
Published On: 2025-07-27Categories: Blog
Published On: 2025-07-27Categories: Blog

Planning a big trip, international camp, or even a weekend away with your youth group?

One of the most common questions leaders ask is: when should we start fundraising? Whether you’re part of a Scout group, Guide unit, or youth organisation in the UK, getting ahead with your fundraising plan makes all the difference. In this post, we’ll help you work backwards from your event date and share practical tips to make your fundraising journey feel exciting not overwhelming.

“How are we going to afford it?”

The best answer? Start fundraising early.

fundraising ideas

It might feel too soon to think about raising money for a 2026/27 trip, but the most successful groups plan 12–24 months ahead. Early planning gives you more flexibility, lowers pressure, and allows your group to try different strategies, without the stress.

Why fundraising timelines matter for youth groups

Many groups naturally begin fundraising once a trip is confirmed, but if plans are in place early, starting ahead of time can make a big difference. Spreading out the effort reduces pressure and gives you more freedom to choose the fundraisers that really work for your group.

When you start early, you:

  • Spread out your goals into smaller, manageable chunks

  • Give families time to budget and contribute gradually

  • Avoid clashing with other local fundraisers at peak times

  • Increase your chances of grant success

  • Reduce financial pressure on parents and volunteers

Whether you’re planning a fundraiser for an international trip, school expedition, or local Scout or Guide camp, starting your fundraising early helps build excitement and reduces stress down the line.

planning a fundraiser

How early is too early?

The truth? It’s never too early.
Most high-performing groups start 18–24 months before departure.

It’s not about raising all the money right away, It’s about getting momentum.

Supporters respond better to a clear goal over time, and you’ll have more freedom to try creative fundraising ideas or apply for funding opportunities that have longer lead times.

A seasonal fundraising timeline that works

Here’s a flexible planning framework that can help Girlguiding units, Scout sections, and school teams pace their efforts, without burnout.

when to start fundraising for a school or youth trip

Summer (July–August)

  • Finalise your trip budget

  • Choose your fundraising approach (product sales, events, grants)

  • Gather parent/committee support

  • Order any early fundraising materials or samples

Autumn Term (September–November)

  • Run your first fundraiser — even a small one

  • Use the “back to school” energy to kick off momentum

  • Popular: Low-effort candle fundraising before Christmas

Winter (December–January)

  • Review progress and update your strategy
  • Prep for spring fundraising with new ideas

Spring–Summer (February–June)

  • Mix in community events, challenges, or team fundraisers

  • Ideally, aim to raise your largest amount before this term ends

  • Keep things varied to maintain interest and avoid fatigue

when to start fundraising for a school or youth trip
🔍 Tip: This approach works especially well for groups planning 2026/27 trips — starting in 2025–2026 is ideal.

Why easy product fundraisers work so well

When you’re stretched for time or have a small team of volunteers, simple product fundraisers can be a lifesaver.

That’s why more groups are turning to low-risk options like candle sales. Collective Sales, for example, offers:

  • No upfront costs

  • Flexible profits (you set your price)

  • Beautiful, gift-worthy candles that supporters actually want

  • Flexible returns, in case you need it.

planning a fundraiser

Involve your group early on

Whether you’re taking 6 Explorers to Japan, 15 teens from a youth theatre group to perform in Edinburgh, or a Year 11 class on a cultural trip abroad, make it a team effort from day one.

Teenagers thrive when they feel involved and empowered. Families are more likely to support when they’re kept in the loop, and leaders benefit from the shared momentum and commitment.

Starting early doesn’t just help your bank balance. It builds group confidence, momentum, and clarity.

Whether you’re taking 6 Explorers to Japan, 15 teens from a youth theatre group to perform in Edinburgh, or a Year 11 class on a cultural trip abroad, make it a team effort from day one.

Teenagers thrive when they feel involved and empowered. Families are more likely to support when they’re kept in the loop, and leaders benefit from the shared momentum and commitment.

Starting early doesn’t just help your bank balance. It builds group confidence, momentum, and clarity.

So if you’re already dreaming of that 2026/27 adventure, the best time to act is now.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Grab our free fundraising toolkit to get started, or explore Collective Sales — the flexible candle fundraiser designed for UK youth groups.

You don’t need to have it all figured out, you just need to start. 💛

fundraising tools

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